Scouting The Doubles – Man City
With four teams facing two fixtures in gameweek 26 there will be many Fantasy Managers looking to maximise their squads and invest. But what are the likely returns and where should our money go? All us to help you out by analysing the teams and players in the running – starting with Manchester City…
The Opponents
City start their double gameweek with a home encounter with Bolton on Tuesday, with a trip to the Britannia to face Stoke following a week later. The complication here is that City also have an FA Cup match, ironically with Stoke at Eastlands, sandwiched in between.
Undoubtedly we’ll be looking to the Bolton game for the bulk of City’s returns. The visitors are carrying key injuries and the back which could make them even more vulnerable to the City attack which normally flourishes at Eastlands.
The second of City’s two fixtures looks a far harder proposition. Stoke have conceded six goals in their last five at home matches and only one goal in their last three. City will surely find their defence far more resolute, while Tony Pulis’ side will go all out to disrupt their passing game in midfield. We could see Mancini switch to 4-5-1 and start with Viera and De Jong to stand up to Stoke’s bullying here. A more combative game will certainly be expected and attacking returns for City could be minimal.
The Current Form
Mancini’s side have slumped a little following a run of four straight wins from gameweeks 18-21. Defeat at Everton in gameweek 22 was followed by an unconvincing win over Portsmouth in gameweek 24 and a defeat at the weekend to Hull.
In attacking terms the home form remains devastating. Five wins from their last five home matches with 14 goals scored and five conceded. The away form is less convincing, with just one win in their last five trips, with seven scored and ten conceded.
Indeed, defensively City have kept one clean in their last four league matches and that was against Portsmouth. Defensive investment looks questionable then.
The Rotation Risk
Unfortunately, this looks high. With City facing a competitive FA Cup match with Stoke next weekend, Mancini will doubtless rotate his lineups across the three games. He has already gone on record today to hint that changes are afoot after the defeat at Hull, with new signings Adam Johnson and Patrick Vierra set to start on Tuesday.
Johnson’s arrival in particular means that the likes of Wright Phillips and Petrov look prone to rotation over the three games in seven days. Bellamy’s injury that keeps him out of Tuesday’s game at least removes some threat. Selecting any of those players for the double fixtures still looks a gamble though.
The major concern for us Fantasy Managers is how Mancini chooses to juggle his strikers. We need both Tevez and Adebayor to start the league games and hopefully this will be the case. Mancini doesn’t have the option to start the departed Benjani in the Cup this weekend, but Santa Cruz is back in contention for the Bolton game on Tuesday according to Mancini. Hopefully he’ll be saved for the weekend Cup tie with a fit-again Bellamy his partner, otherwise Tevez and Adeabayor may start and either pick up an injury or be rested/rotated for the bruising trip to Stoke.
The Potential Targets
Carlos Tevez
The most obvious source of points when you consider his form over the last few months. The concern is that Adebayor’s return has seen Tevez shifted to a support striker role and that this has diminished his potential output. We could also see Mancini forced into a difficult decision should he switch to bolster the midfield for the Stoke trip and go with one recognised striker. We’ve seen Tevez lead the line in Adeabayor’s absence so he may still get the nod. Much will depend on Mancini’s lineup in the FA Cup.
Tevez has gone three league games without a goal or an assist having scored seven goals in the four league games prior to this run. Regardless, the Argentine should offer some returns from the Bolton encounter, while his battling qualities could be priceless and come to the fore at Stoke to earn him FPL bonus, if City can get a result.
Predicted return: 1 goal, 1 assist, 3 FPL bonus points
Emmanuel Adebayor
Having returned from the trauma of Togo’s African Cup of Nations experience, Adebayor has slotted back into the City lineup and struck two goals in as many games.
Disrupted by injury this term, his record still shows an average of a goal every other game with 8 strikes in 15 starts so far. Some returns look likely, particularly in Tuesday meet with Bolton. The trip to Stoke looks far more tricky and I’m slightly concerned that Mancini may be forced to play Adebayor in the Cup tie this weekend, making him a candidate for a rest for the league game that follows. We’ve already seen how effective Tevez can be when he leads the line, although Mancini may need Adebayor’s height to counter Stoke at set-plays. A tough call.
Predicted return: 1 goal, 1 FPL bonus point
Martin Petrov and Adam Johnson
When Petrov gets his opportunities he normally produces a performance. The Bulgarian enjoyed four consecutive starts from gameweeks 19-22 but was subbed at half-time at Everton and was benched in the defeat to Hull last weekend. Mancini may well see Petrov as a starter for home matches and having opted for Bellamy at Hull, he could be in the side for the Bolton game.
Adam Johnson is also a factor though. The new signing from Boro could be worthy of consideration in his own right, particularly after impressing on his substitute appearance at Hull. Mancini is indicating that he will start against Bolton which may well shift Petrov to the right-wing, although Wright-Phillips is also a consideration here.
One more thing that could work in Johnson’s favour for the two league fixtures – he will be cup-tied next weekend having started for Boro against City in the Third Round. He should therefore be well rested and fit for the league trip to Stoke. Mancini will likely start with two of Petrov, Wright-Phillips and Bellamy in the FA Cup match then, making them more of a rotation risk for the Britannia trip.
Predicted return: Petrov 1 assist, Johnson 1 assist
Shay Given
While the City Mancini’s defence is hard to predict, Given is an ever-present who will offer clean sheet potential over City’s two matches. Again, the home fixture with Bolton will be his best opportunity for returns but the trip to Stoke should also see points from saves. Personally, I think that City clean sheets in either game look shaky so while I can’t see too much value in their defenders, Given at least can cover this with save point potential.
Predicted return: 9 saves
I’m feeling all wrong for benching Ivanovic & Evra to play Dawson, Nelson & Caldwell. Please tell me this isn’t as wrong as it feels.
It was 50-50 call for many managers.
I benched Ivan and played Evra.
I,m benching Ivanovic for Dawson
so it feels wrong but actually it’s right, cheers chaps
Hart or Soren this week?
soren
Sorenson is an easy choice this week. However, I’m really hoping Pulis doesn’t give Begovic his debut with 2 games in a week.
Defensive dilemma’s aplenty this gw. Cleansheet odds (best prices) might muddy the waters further or clear them a bit for you. The closeness of the favourite(s) to the least favoured seems to indicate a potential lack of goals.
Fulham/Man City 10-11
Chelsea 11-10
Blackburn/Tottenham/Wigan 5-4
Man Utd/West Ham 11-8
Arsenal 6-4
Portsmouth 7-4
Birmingham 15-8
Sunderland 2-1
Stoke 23-10
Liverpool 13-5
Aston Villa 11-4
Liverpool 13-5
Wolves 14-5
Burnley/Hull 16-5
Everton 7-2
Bolton 11-2
Cheers JOMT, so playing Nelson, Dawson & Cladwell over Evra is the right thing to do, although i should really play Ivan over one of those 3. I’m going with my gut, what do bookies know
I know what you mean Steve – I have to go 3 from Roger Johnson, Dunne, Evra, Ivanovic and Tompkins.
The dgws this season have been far from profitable in the main – take my mate, for example, who benched Nelson in the last dgw for a dgw player and lost 12 points in the process!
ouch, i hate it when that happens, you’ve got a tough call mate, i take it Dunne gets one of the slots on the bench, although i bet you’ve got that niggling feeling that man U will most likely concede from a corner?
Are there any other ex-Arshavin owners who are really happy he’s no longer in your squad??
Yep, it’s great. He’s been such a frustrating player to have in my team (even more so because he replaced Fabs in my worst move of the season) and I’m not even worried by not having him, like I have been when I’ve got rid of other big money players. He’ll probably go on a scoring spree now I’ve said that, but sod him.
ditto Jonny
I did the same, got rid for Fab! Worst move ever, team value went down, captained Arsh for the DGW and he did F-all.
So glad he’s out and I just laugh when watching his piss-poor performances since.
It seems he goes on a spree about twice a season. I wonder what the FPL will make his value for next season?
I’m also an Arshavin ex-owner (thankfully) – I had Arshavin, Diaby and Fabregas going into Arsenal’s current treachorous run and binned the first two. One or two nice memories – goals v United and Liverpool but I was as frustrated as he was playing as the lone striker. His foot injury, playing out of position and his country’s failure to qualify for the World Cup Finals all seemed to contribute in some shape or form.
i even thought Fabregas’s return might improve his goal scoring but that hasn’t materialised either.
Iv heard alot of ppl dissing the ethrington bandwagon don’t understand why.the boy will be flyin after his last performance and so will the team.he could tear it up big time.
Hope so, he cost me 4 points!!
when was the last time stoke scorede away, or etherington did?
Would i be mad to bench lampard??
Yes IMO – why have the most expensive player in FPL on your bench. Might as well trade him for a DGW player and use the money in other areas in weeks to come.
I have enogh dgw players, and not worth having them if i dont play them, lewading me to bench Lampard, Fabregas or Rooney!!!
4 transfers in Cesc, who have you got in?
My team as follows
Jussi/(Green)
Caldwell/Dawson/Dann/(Ivanovic/Samba)
Petrov/etherington/Fabregas/NZogbia/(Lampard)
Tevez/Rooney/Rodallega
ne suggestions??????
Am I starting the right 11?
sorensen
corluka, r johnson, baird
lampard, duff, etherington, nzog
rooney, tevez (c), rodallega
(cech, hunt, gallas, cahill)
Maybe Gallas for Corluka, has more chance of scoring and probs the same chance of getting a cleanie at home. Not tempted by N’Zog captain then?
Very tempted. But I don’ think I’ve got the guts. Would you captain N’Zog?
Hart \ Jensen
Dunne \ Emerton \ Evans \ Richards \ Faye Ab
Lampard \ Milner \ Gera \ NZogbia \ Nani
Tevez \ Drogba \ Zamora
I was thinking of Rodallega in for Zamora – but knowing Zamora is back…and they have |Burnley at home….tempted to stick with him. I’m torn on bringing Etherington in. Bring him in for Gera as my only change? What does everyone think? Tevez as Captain or Drogba?
I’m starting to think of dumping Milner as well as his output has dropped in recent league games. Think the money would be better elsewhere…Anyone else got thoughts on that?
dont bring etherington in i feel. stoke do nothing away from home, and both are away from home, and and did you see his goal? it was shit, ive seen grannys strike balls harder.my balls!
im gonna bench evra and ivanovic, playing faye (if hes on the team sheet tomorrow)) hangeland, and scharner
pomp, fulham, wigan and city to all win is about 13/1. not bad eh? might stick a sneaky score on it
Mainly because of Pompey i’m guessing??
pretty much, but theyre only 6/4. prob get better if i shop around, hang on
checked all the bookies, and its best at boyles. 12/1 exactly for them four
Good shout, have you got a link fella?
Lol at Colchester goal.
Everyone avoid stoke! 4 goals away from home all season!!!
I am probably a bit slow on this one, but fuller arrested? Might be good news for tuncay owners.
Thinking of taking out malouda for either petrov, barry or wright-phillips, but are there any other suggestions on where i should use my transfer?
Hart, Sorensen
Dunne, Ivanovic, Evra, Zayatte, Ridgewell
Moses, Malouda, Kranjcar, Lampard, Milner
Tevez, Zamora, Rooney
Who would you bring in ,Huth or Bridge forgetting about value and fictures?
Not much buying a player while forgetting about fixtures…
*Not much point…
im going to swap him for evans next week
Is Sorensen a starter?
Got the following team
Sorenson (Gomes)
Evra, Dunne, Carr (Baird, Dann)
Fabregas, Daiby, Kuyt, Duff (Gera)
Tevez (c), Rooney, Defoe
Tempted to get Drogba instead of Defoe. Got eyes on Nani for the DGW Got 2.8 spare.
Any ideas? Not tempted by the DGW because of a lack of top 4 teams. Is there anyone who is a must for this DGW?
will Richards be ok for this DGW and play both?
Hi All, I know alot of similar questions have been asked but i’m really struggling with who to play tomorrow. Need 2 of the below on bench but wanna play them all and cannot decide between them…
Options are
Baird, Dawson, Ivanovic, Evra , R Johnson (which defenders to play)
or Duff in Mid
Fulham v Burnley
Wolves v Tottenham
Everton v Chelsea
Aston Villa v Man Utd
West Ham v Birmingham
Please help.
i’d definitely play dawson & baird & duff, that leaves evra, r johnson, ivanovic, id bench r johnson & ivanovic but its really close
Can anyone also advise where the counters are now on here. clean sheets, highest goalscorers etc
Perhaps bench Evra because it is Man U away against Villa. It should not be forgotten that Villa beat Man U at Old Trafford and were totally outplayed. But is a fight back on the cards or will Villa do the double? My colleague thinks it is best to bench Evra.
Here’s my starting 11 guys (before making any changes)
Sorenson (Hart)
Evra, Dunne, Corluka (Vermaelen, Bikey)
N’Zogbia, Barry, Kuyt, Milner (Gardner)
Tevez (c), Rooney, Defoe
I’m thinking of bringing in Rodallega > Defoe, and another Wigan/Stoke/City player > Milner if you have any suggestions?
I’ve got 0.7 in the bank before changes.
Cheers
Anyone reckon Viera’s worth a punt?
Rotational defensive midfielder, nope
Hi guys, bit of advice needed:
I currently have Anelka Tevez and Rooney upfront for this week… do you think it’s worth taking a 4 point hit to take out Hunt for N’Zogbia, and demoting Anelka to the bench?
Cheers!
Current team is:
Sorenson
Chimbonda-Scharner-Baird
Lampard-Tuncay-Johnson-Duff
Anelka-Rooney-Tevez
subs: Hart, Cahill, Rafael, Hunt
I’m thinkin’ of camptaining Tevez? Bit of risk, thoughts?
Well the Captains Poll says Tevez 49%, 1,064 Votes, so not a bad shout. I can’t make my mind up whether or not to Captain him. Is it me or could Rodallega be a good Captaincy?
Good shout, i’m just worried that if i do captain him he won’t do much, this is what usually happens.
Yeah and you’re always sitting there after all games have been played thinking, why the hell did I captain him! It’s a case of – Captain Tev and get the points along with most of the people in my league, or be brave and give it to Rodallega and probably get nothing from it!
Ahhhh!
Oh and any help with my issue a few posts up?
I would proberbly bring in Rodallega, not sure i’d captain him though? I’m gonna play it safe and go with tevez. As for stoke players Etherington looks a good shout.
Feeling quite confident about this GW – cue Tevez injury, Stoke getting hammered, Wigan involved in 2 0-0′s and Man City conceding loads.